The central focus of biology has shifted from gene to neural science and specifically
to the neural bases of the mind. What we commonly call the mind is a set of processes
carried out by the brain: knowing these operations in molecular, cellular and system
terms it means to decode the mind and its disorders into language of science. Throughout
Brain, Mind & Life-international organization activities we document efforts and findings
toward that goal.

Of course, we also keep our focus on a mind/body perspective. Linda Faye Lehman coined
the term “wholistic medicine” to indicate a total and global approach to the body and
mental health of a person. Psychoneuroimmunology, therefore, remain among our favorite
study subjects.
Lastly, many members of BM&L-International are actively engaged with problems of central
nervous system damage and rehabilitation, as you can argue from the Conferences and Events
2013 calendar.

LEARNING BASES AND MEMORY IMPROVEMENT.
The NMDA glutamate receptor is considered a molecular device for controlling
synaptic plasticity and memory function. The creation of Doogie, the
super-intelligent mouse, has demonstrated that it is possible to manipulate a
single NMDA receptor subunit for a broad range of learning and memory
enhancement. Since then, researchers have further generated NR2B transgenic
rats, nicknamed Hobbie-J, which also exhibited larger LTP and similar
enhancement in learning and memory. From these experiments originated an ever
expanding research field that may one day provide a much-needed solution for
treating Alzheimer’s Disease and many other disorders characterized by memory
impairment.

MOLECULAR BASIS OF COGNITION.
Various neuronal processes, including neurotransmission, intracellular
signaling, synaptic remodeling, protein transcription and translation, are all
essential for cognition. We are interested in research individuating the
relationship between molecular and mental levels. A decline in memory and
cognitive function is a natural aspect of aging, and cognitive deficits are
comorbid with many mental disorders and neuronal diseases in humans. Mental
retardation, attention deficit disorder, autism, schizophrenia, as well as
neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s
Disease, all feature prominent deficits in cognitive abilities. Progress in
our understanding of the molecular basis of cognition, aside for a better
knowledge of the biology of mind, could provide strategies to slow aging
related decline and treat such pathologies by cognitive enhancement.

PSYCHONEUROIMMUNOLOGY.
Psychoneuroimmunology, which birth date is conventionally reported to 1975
foundation by Robert Ader, may be considered a convergence of disciplines
including neuroscience, behavioral sciences, immunology, and endocrinology. In
fact, Psychoneuroimmunology is an interdisciplinary field intended to achieve
a more complete understanding of the way the interactions among the main
systems of our and animal organism serve homeostatic goals and influence
health and disease. From intercellular signaling to psychological and
psychopathological states of the mind, bridges between brain neurons and
immune system cells, as well as between the two and endocrine glands are
numerous, and our interest in monitoring all the works exploring new insights
in the field is constant.